Tours & Education Outreach

The Vanderburgh Humane Society offers Humane Education programs for children and adults of all ages on a variety of topics. An important aspect of animal welfare is educating the public on responsible ownership and ensuring that our community’s children respect and appreciate animals.

Pets arriving at our shelter and becoming homeless is the last step in a long line of problems. Our goal is to reduce the number of unwanted animals who need shelter in the first place. Humane education fills this very important gap.

Our mission is:

“Leading our community to eliminate pet overpopulation through Spay/Neuter, Adoption, and Humane Education.”

At least two weeks’ notice is required for most programs* & tours. (See below.) We ask for a minimum monetary donation for most programs & tours to help offset departmental expenses. Any program, whether onsite or offsite, includes an optional introduction to live shelter animals of a variety of species, including but not limited to dogs, kittens, rabbits, reptiles, rodents, birds, or potbellied pigs!

Most programs are offered Monday-Friday by appointment. Saturday programs can be arranged with at least 2 months’ notice. Groups can be brought directly to our facility for onsite afternoon programs, or our Humane Education Department can bring a program to you offsite with more flexible morning, afternoon, & evening hours.

We offer the following programs:

“May I Pet Your Dog?”

What a dog needs, the safe way to introduce oneself to a dog, how to properly pet a dog, and when a dog wants to be left alone.

Preschool thru 6th Grade

Dog Bite Prevention

Encompasses safety procedures around dogs, from family pets to neighborhood strays.

Preschool thru Adult

Pet Care Responsibility

Teaches why & how to be a responsible pet owner for the life of the pet, be it a gerbil, dog, or anything in between.

Preschool thru 8th Grade

Recycling for the VHS

Explains how to help both the VHS and the environment by recycling unused home and office items.

1st Grade thru High School

Pet Overpopulation and Spay/Neuter

Helps students to understand the enormity of the homeless animal problem and the importance of spaying & neutering.

4th Grade thru High School

VHS and the Community

Explains the role of our Humane Society in the community and describes the programs we offer.

6th Grade thru Adult

Topic and Book Discussions*

Catered to fit in your curriculum. Education discussions of current humane issues or animal-related books (i.e. “My Life in Dog Years.”)

*requires 1 month’s notice

Middle School thru High School

At least two weeks’ notice is required for programs (*1 months’ notice required for Topic & Book Discussion requests.)

The VHS offers group tours by appointment: Tours are normally scheduled Tuesday-Friday between the hours of 12:00-6:00 pm. Special morning* or evening tours and additional days of the week are possible depending on staff or volunteer availability. *Morning times can only accommodate Mini Tours since most of our animals areas are being cleaned and the animals are inaccessible during that time.

Behind-the-Scenes Tour: Explains the process animals go through from surrender to adoption (ideal for older children & adults only) (maximum 10 people) (may include the sight of needles)

Any type of tour can be accompanied by any of our educational programs. Tours can also include introductions to live shelter animals of a variety of species. A group shelter tour lasts approximately 1- 1 ½ hours depending on the number in attendance and if a program is included.

Tour Rules

Download the Tour Rules here to prepare you for your visit and share important information with your students in advance!